HOW about planting annuals for a splash of colour after the relatively short flowering period of spring-flowering bulbs?

Most are F1 Hybrids bred for their effect, but do not drop seed. One has to, by necessity, change these several times a year for a continuous floral effect.

As perennials set seed, which can be gathered to grow more of the same at no cost, additionally, perennials can be divided and are ideal for filling in bare spots in the garden, also at no cost.

Many people rush out to buy annuals to brighten up their garden. Some, including our adult granddaughter, got carried away with the bright labels of petunias, planting them at the weekend to see them demolished by  frost a day later.

Petunias are a late spring/summer annual and I believe should not be sold at this time. Pansies and violas are still flowering and are not worried by frost. Annuals, such as petunias, are brought in from interstate from wholesale nurseries that rarely experience a frost.

Annuals are similar to genetically modified crops that also do not set seed. On our English farm, we traditionally saved a percentage of wheat, oats and barley seed for the following year. With GM crops one cannot do this and the seed has to be bought each year.

My father never had a problem with the quality of his crops, winning outright the challenge cup for the best milling wheat in England. What has this got to do with the backyard garden? It is the same situation of many annuals from petunias to veggies.

LET me explain the terms “annual”, “biennial” and “perennial”.

Annuals are either planted from seed or seedlings. They last one year and most, but not all, do not set seed. Biennials are planted this year and then flower the following year. Perennials, as the name suggests, flower and set seed. Some die down when flowering is finished, while others remain evergreen after flowering.

Perennial plants can be selected for flowering every month of the year. Space does not allow me to show here a comprehensive list of perennials. However, to assist you, go to cedricbryant.com click on “Cedfacts Garden Information Sheets” and scroll down to “Perennials for Year Round Colour and Effect”. This offers a selection for each season. If you planted just one of each and divided them either in spring or autumn after flowering, you will literally have hundreds of plants in 12 months. In any case, it is far more fun growing your own and a great education for children. I do encourage you to set aside an area especially for them to grow their flowers and veggies.

A COMMENT on manures. One reader said after applying manure, variety not mentioned, in his veggie garden he now has a wonderful crop of weeds. Horse manure can provide a wonderful crop of oats, sheep manure is well-known for its stinging nettles and other weeds. Whereas cow manure, because of the nature of “chewing the cud” totally destroy any weed seeds. So the choice is logical. They tell me elephant manure is the best, but fairly scarce!

ANOTHER spring spectacular at the start of Floriade is the Horticultural Society of Canberra’s “Spring Bulb and Camellia Show”. At The Wesley Church Centre, National Circuit Forrest on Saturday, September 15, from noon (after judging) to 5pm and Sunday, from 11.30am to 4pm. There will be a huge plant stall with everything grown by members. Great to fill in the gaps in your garden. Teas and luncheon is available. Entry is free.

NO garden tasks this week as you should be out enjoying Floriade or visiting the flower show.